Reader mailbag: New Oregon boating laws; are there diseased trout in Lucky Peak? 

Spring is in the air, and with it, anglers are turning their thoughts to boating and open-water fishing. Some questions have been coming in, which means it’s time for another reader mailbag! As always, thanks for reading and sending in your questions and comments. Tight lines!

Oregon institutes new laws for boaters

If you do any boating in Oregon, there are some new hoops to jump through this year. The state passed a new law for 2020 requiring all boaters — not just Oregon residents — to complete a boating safety course. Oregon will accept the Idaho boating safety card, which can be obtained three ways:

• Attend an in-person class. These usually last 6 to 8 hours and are offered for free by many county marine deputies.

• Complete a home study course. The materials can be obtained by calling (208) 514-2412 or emailing david.dahms@idpr.idaho.gov.

• Complete an online course. Idaho has four approved online vendors. Some charge a fee.

For details on Idaho boating education options, visit www.boatidaho.gov. To read Oregon boating laws or find out how to obtain the Oregon Boating Education Card, visit www.oregon.gov/osmb.

Are there diseased trout in Lucky Peak Reservoir?

Several readers have contacted me asking about diseased trout in Lucky Peak Reservoir. They describe catching fish covered in some kind of fungus, sores or parasites, and say the condition is quite common among rainbow trout caught in the reservoir.

I recently spoke with Idaho Fish & Game’s regional fisheries office, and their explanation seemed like good news. According to regional fisheries manager John Cassinelli, the lesions are caused by copepods rather than disease or fungus. Copepods are tiny aquatic crustaceans that attach themselves to fish and cause visible damage to the skin when they occur in large numbers.

“We see them all the time, but with the low water levels, they’re more concentrated and they are really stacking up on some of the fish,” Cassinelli said. “Reservoir levels should come up soon, and that should help clear it up.”

Copepods can impact fish health, but the parasites aren’t usually lethal. The fish are safe to eat if anglers choose to harvest, as copepods only damage the skin.

It’s a bummer to catch fish covered in sores — I have seen similar impacts at Lake Cascade in the past — but this Lucky Peak situation doesn’t seem like anything too sinister.

Unsinkable fishing sunglasses

Polarized sunglasses are a must for any serious angler. In addition to comfort and eye protection, polarized lenses allow anglers to see beneath the water’s surface. This is a huge advantage, especially when sight-fishing for bass, trout and saltwater species.

The only downside of polarized glasses is that nice ones are expensive. There’s nothing worse than losing a good pair of glasses over the side of the boat. But a company I was recently introduced to has a cool fix for that problem — glasses that float!

Rheos sells floating, polarized glasses. The shades are lightweight, durable and come in a multitude of styles and colors. I chose the Bahias, and they’re great! Check them out at www.rheosgear.com.

Rock cold weather with Rock Fish gloves

Speaking of cool fishing accessories, I recently got my hands on a pair of Rock Fish gloves from a new local company called Sun State Industrial Supply. I usually hate fishing in gloves, even when it’s freezing. The dexterity required to tie knots, bait hooks and feel bites just isn’t good enough with gloves on.

But the Rock Fish gloves have been a game-changer. Waterproof, dexterous and insulated, the gloves allowed me to fish in comfort without feeling encumbered. During ice fishing season, I found myself leaving them on all day without thinking about it.

If you do any cold weather fishing, check them out. Sun State Industrial is on Facebook, or you can email sunstateindustrialsupplyllc@gmail.com.

Jordan Rodriguez has been fishing Idaho waters since he was a teen. Share your fish stories, adventures, tips and tricks with him at tightlinesboise@gmail.com or visit www.tightlines208.com.